Mitt Romney: David Letterman as vice president?

Mitt Romney did what all presidential candidates must ultimately do, whether they want to or not -- pay tribute to the late night TV hosts, beginning with Jay Leno.

But in a neat sleight of hand, Romney managed to pay tribute to both Jay and arch-rival-nemesis-etc. David Letterman at the same time. Who'd Romney pick as his running mate, Jay wondered? "I'll make it easy for you," he said. "David Letterman." Leno did not laugh, though smiled, which made me think this joke was not precooked backstage (but maybe it was.).

It was a good outing for Romney, by the way. You never want to go on these shows and appear like a stiff and he did not; Ron Paul was on a week or so ago, and likewise, had a good meet and greet with Jay, who's easily the most conservative of the late nighters -- or to put it another way, the one who doesn't reflexively batter GOP candidates, like Dave.